feat. “This Little Light of Mine” intro) ⸻ Intro – Children (soft, simple, almost a cappella) (Distant. Slight reverb. Just kids’ voices.) This little light of mine… I’m gonna let it shine… This little light of mine… I’m gonna let it shine… Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine… (Children fade. A low acoustic guitar comes in. Slow. Minor edge. Harmonica breath. Drums brush in.) ⸻ Verse 1 Boots on concrete, sunrise burnin’ red Factory whistle cut the quiet dead Lunch pail swingin’ in a calloused hand Another long day no one’s gonna film No name stitched in gold on my chest Just sweat and steel and doin’ my best They may not see it, but I know the truth Every small thing’s preachin’ proof ⸻ Pre-Chorus Ain’t no spotlight over me But there’s a fire they can’t see ⸻ Chorus I’ll lead without a title Walk it straight and true Shine in the shadows Like You told me to No crown, no stage lights No headline name Just a steady burnin’ flame I don’t need the world to know Who I am or what I’ve done This little light of mine I’m gonna let it shine ⸻ Verse 2 Break room talk, tempers run Shortcuts whisper, “Just this once” New kid watchin’ how I stand More than listenin’ to my plans A good name’s worth more than pay That’s what my daddy used to say When the boss ain’t lookin’ round That’s when real men are found ⸻ Pre-Chorus You don’t build a legacy By who you say you’re gonna be ⸻ Chorus I’ll lead without a title Walk it straight and true Shine in the shadows Like You told me to No crown, no stage lights No headline name Just a steady burnin’ flame I don’t need the world to know Who I am or what I’ve done This little light of mine I’m gonna let it shine ⸻ Bridge (Outlaw breakdown – gritty, half-spoken) They don’t see the battles fought The prayers whispered in the dark They don’t see the lines I won’t cross Or the weight inside my heart But Heaven sees. And that’s enough for me. ⸻ Final Chorus – Bigger, full band I’ll lead without a title Stand when others fold Shine in the silence Let integrity be bold If You multiply the faithful I’ll be faithful where I stand Use these rough and broken hands I don’t need the world to know Who I am or what I’ve done This little light of mine… (Children’s voices slowly rise underneath) I’m gonna let it shine… ⸻ Outro – Children & Full Band Softly Together Let it shine… Let it shine… Let it shine… (Music fades. Harmonica last.)

Shine in the Shadows